Chapter 11

1But if ye desire to be Christians indeed, walk in the way of the Lord, and loose every band? of sin; for the Saviour hath commanded you to forgive the trespasses of your neighbour (even unto) seventy times seven. And if ye desire not to forgive them, hear what Jeremiah the prophet saith? . . . But if thou thinkest evil in thy heart, and nursest hatred, and judgest in anger, thy prayer shall not be able to ascend unto God, for thou hast not done the commandments of thy Lord. But if thou hast forgiven‘ the trespass of thy brother four hundred and ninety times, thou art become slow ° of anger and great in mercy, that thou mayest save thyself. And if thou doest thus, thou shalt be a son of thy Father who is in heaven, and when thou makest supplication unto Him, He shall hear thy prayer as a faithful friend. Wherefore, O bishops, when ye are gathered together for prayer and praise and worship, and to hear the reading of the word of admonition, read* the Holy Scriptures. Let the deacon stand amongst you, crying with a loud voice, and saying, If there be any man that hath’ in his heart revenge, or envy, or deceit, or any malice against his neighbour,‘ let him speedily be reconciled with him,® and then God will receive their prayer and their supplication.!° And when ye enter into a house, say thus, The peace of God be in this house. And if there be there sons of peace, your peace shall rest upon them. Even as it is written, “He is peace to them that are afar off, and'! to them that are nigh,” 1? even to the people that believe in Christ. All who enter into the Church of God ought to pray unto Him to send peace '? upon His ** people.